Power Plant Control Room Operator Science & Engineering Technicians
SaveWhat Does a Power Plant Control Room Operator Do?
Power plant control room operators are responsible for the safe and proper operation of power plants, switchyards and associated control structures. They repair and maintain the involved machinery and equipment to ensure the plant's efficient operation and to tackle emergency situations such as blackouts.
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Where Do I Start?
Electric Generators
The principles and operations of devices that can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, such as dynamos and alternators, rotors, stators, armatures, and fields.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Power Plant Control Room Operator
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialElectric Generators knowledge
The principles and operations of devices that can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, such as dynamos and alternators, rotors, stators, armatures, and fields.
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialElectric Current knowledge
Flow of electric charge, carried by electrons or ions in a medium such as an electrolyte or a plasma.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialPower Plant Instrumentation knowledge
The equipment and instruments used for the monitoring and controlling processes in power plants. This requires proper operation, calibration, and regular maintenance.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialElectrical Power Safety Regulations knowledge
The compliance with safety measures which need to be taken during the installation, operation, and maintenance of constructions and equipment which function in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialElectronics knowledge
The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications. Apply this knowledge to ensure electronic equipment runs smoothly.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialAdapt Energy Distribution Schedules skill
Monitor the procedures involved in the distribution of energy in order to assess whether energy supply must be increased or decreased depending on changes in demand, and incorporate these changes …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialConduct Inter-shift Communication skill
Communicate relevant information about the conditions in the workplace, progress, events, and potential problems to the workers in the next shift.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Compliance With Safety Legislation skill
Implement safety programmes to comply with national laws and legislation. Ensure that equipment and processes are compliant with safety regulations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialManage Emergency Procedures skill
React quickly in case of emergency and set planned emergency procedures in motion.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMonitor Automated Machines skill
Continuously check up on the automated machine's set-up and execution or make regular control rounds. If necessary, record and interpret data on the operating conditions of installations and equipment in …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMonitor Electric Generators skill
Monitor the operation of electric generators in power stations in order to ensure functionality and safety, and to identify need for repairs and maintenance.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMonitor Equipment skill
Monitoring equipment implies watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMonitor Gauge skill
Oversee the data presented by a gauge concerning the measurement of pressure, temperature, thickness of a material, and others.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialResolve Equipment Malfunctions skill
Identify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions; communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialRespond To Electrical Power Contingencies skill
Set in motion the strategies created for responding to emergency situations, as well as respond to unforeseen problems, in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power, such as power …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialTroubleshoot skill
Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWear Appropriate Protective Gear skill
Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWrite Production Reports skill
Make up and complete shift schedules and production reports in a timely manner.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialClose Circuit Breaker skill
Synchronize incoming generating units with units already in operation. Close the circuit breaker at the exact instant of coincidence between both unit types.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCoordinate Remote Communications skill
Direct network and radio communications between different operational units. Receive and transfer further radio or telecom messages or calls. These might include messages from the public, or the emergency services.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMaintain Power Plant Machinery skill
Maintain and repair power plant machinery and equipment to prevent operational problems and ensure all machines perform sufficiently.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse Remote Control Equipment skill
Use a remote control to operate equipment. Watch the equipment closely while operating, and use any sensors or cameras to guide your actions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 21 displayed)
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OptionalElectricity knowledge
Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalNuclear Energy knowledge
The generation of electrical energy through the use of nuclear reactors, by converting the energy released from nuclei of atoms in reactors which generate heat. This heat subsequently generates steam …
Recommended Books
3 books -
OptionalAutomation Technology knowledge
Set of technologies that make a process, system, or apparatus operate automatically through the use of control systems.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalNatural Gas knowledge
The various facets of natural gas: its extraction, processing, constituents, uses, environmental factors, etc.
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OptionalElectricity Consumption knowledge
The different factors which are involved in the calculation and estimation of electricity consumption in a residence or facility, and methods in which electricity consumption can be lowered or made …
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalMechanics knowledge
Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalFossil Fuels knowledge
The types of fuels which contain high doses of carbon and include gas, coal, and petroleum, and the processes by which they are formed, such as the anaerobic decomposition of …
Recommended Books
2 books -
OptionalArrange Equipment Repairs skill
Arrange for equipment repairs when necessary.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCoordinate Electricity Generation skill
Communicate the current demand of electricity generation to electricity generation workers and facilities in order to ensure that the generation of electrical power can be increased or decreased accordingly.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDevelop Strategies For Electricity Contingencies skill
Develop and implement strategies which ensure that swift and efficient actions can be taken in the event of a disruption in the generation, transmission, or distribution of electrical energy, such …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEnsure Compliance With Electricity Distribution Schedule skill
Monitor the operations of an electrical energy distribution facility and electricity distribution systems in order to ensure that the distribution goals and the electricity supply demands are met.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEnsure Equipment Maintenance skill
Ensure that the equipment required for operations is regularly checked for faults, that routine maintenance tasks are performed, and that repairs are scheduled and performed in the case of damage …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEnsure Safety In Electrical Power Operations skill
Monitor and control operations on an electrical power transmission and distribution system in order to ensure that major risks are controlled and prevented, such as electrocution risks, damage to property …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMaintain Electrical Equipment skill
Test electrical equipment for malfunctions. Take safety measures, company guidelines, and legislation concerning electrical equipment into account. Clean, repair and replace parts and connections as required.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMaintain Records Of Maintenance Interventions skill
Keep written records of all repairs and maintenance interventions undertaken, including information on the parts and materials used, etc.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Minor Repairs To Equipment skill
Conduct routine maintenance on equipment. Recognise and identify minor defects in equipment and make repairs if appropriate.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalReact To Events In Time-critical Environments skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalTest Procedures In Electricity Transmission skill
Perform tests on powerlines and cables, as well as other equipment used for the transmission of electrical power, in order to ensure the cables are well insulated, the voltage can …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalRead Electricity Meter skill
Interpret the measuring instruments which measure the consumption and reception of electricity in a facility or residence, record the results in a correct manner.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalRespond To Nuclear Emergencies skill
Set in motion the strategies for reacting in the event of equipment malfunctions, errors, or other events which may lead to contamination and other nuclear emergencies, ensuring that the facility …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalSupervise Electricity Distribution Operations skill
Supervise the activities of an electricity distribution facility and the operation of electrical energy distribution systems, such as power lines, in order to ensure compliance with legislation, efficient operations, and …
Course recommendations coming soon.